The main reason I have decided to run as an independent MP for Salford and Eccles is because I've quietly been living a permaculture existence for the past three years. I'm a beekeeper and take beehives into schools, along with juices and organic vegetables. I am trying to get permaculture on to the national curriculum to teach children how to take care of their own health, rather than relying on businesses to feed them.

I've been calling myself a revolutionary as I have given up all personal ownership, have started living a certain way and have been shouting about changing things. But then I realised it's not a revolution I need: I should contribute. There is a system set up that we live in, and I've got to use that system and fight the revolution from within. It's about taking steps against the bankers, corporations and people trampling all over human rights.

I went along to the fracking protest at Barton Moss to lend my support because of the concerns I have about environmental issues. If we allow fracking to happen in Salford and Manchester, any idea of a permaculture society will end with it. I am standing as an MP to draw attention to the debate because I believe fracking is unsafe technology and the damage it could do to the environment is irreversible.

The actions of police at fracking demonstrations mean that protesters are scared to show solidarity with the people who are trying to protect the site. They have made it impossible for people to protest safely. I hope to give these people a voice. If you are too scared to protest, you can demonstrate your concerns about fracking by voting for me.

There is a fellow called Owen Paterson who is trying to rush genetically modified crops into Britain. The government have all been bought and paid for by the bankers. They have been lobbied out of their minds. Not one of them has got any concern for the people they are representing or the environment. All they are interested in is lining their pockets.

I've always had an interest in politics, but I have never engaged with it properly before. From the reaction I've had to my campaign, I think I can persuade young people to vote. I've had people who have never voted in their lives saying: "I've never voted before, Bez, but I'm going to vote for you." I have never voted either because there hasn't been anyone worth voting for. There is no one who represents me, my values or what I think.

What I'm hoping to do, if nothing else, is to start a debate and bring attention to this plight. Once our water tables are damaged, there is no going back. Once GM crops are planted in our soil, our natural ecosystem will come to an end. You've got to think about your children and grandchildren in the future, when the water system, soil and atmosphere are all toxic. Ask yourself why you didn't stop them? Why did you allow them to do this? This has compelled me to take action.

Salford is a safe Labour seat so the only thing I have in my favour is a small amount of celebrity. Yet, just announcing my candidacy has brought attention to these important issues. We live in a democratic society that allows me to fight the revolution in the corridors of power. It's not about winning; it's about the fight.

Plans to evict up to 60 activists, who have been camped outside the Barton Moss gas fracking exploration facility since November last year, are on hold while their lawyers make a legal challenge in the courts